Proposed Civilian Honor Bill Met With Ire from the American Legion

A measure designed to honor government worked who died in the line of duty has raised the ire of the American Legion. The measure would afford civilian workers military-type honors, The Washington Post’s Federal Eye blog reported.

The bill was to be voted on in the House Wednesday but the main sponsor, Rep. Richard Hannah, R-N.Y., was unable to get back to Washington in time. The Civilian Service Recognition Action includes a provision whereby agencies would pay for a flag for those killed on the job or because they were government workers, the Post reported.

However, the American Legion has called the bill “a misguided attempt to equate civil service with military service . . . If federal employees die or are killed in service to America, they should be honored by a grateful nation. Just not in the same way as our military or veterans,” the Post reported.

While the vote has yet to be rescheduled, Hannah’s staff and American Legion officials met to work out their differences. “We’re comfortable that we’re moving in the right direction to amend it in some manner and suitably recognize civilians for their sacrifice,” the American Legion’s Tim Tetz told the Post.

A measure designed to honor government worked who died in the line of duty has raised the ire of the American Legion. The measure would afford civilian workers military-type honors, The Washington Post s Federal Eye blog reported.
The bill was to be voted on in the House...